Viet Nam Coast Guards patrol in the northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. (Photo: VNA)
The declaration, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows Resolution No. 68/NQ-UBTVQH15 dated February 14, 2025 of the National Assembly Standing Committee.
The establishment of the baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin aims to excercise Viet Nam's rights and obligations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and aligns with the 2012 Law of the Sea of Viet Nam.
The baseline is determined in accordance with UNCLOS provisions, taking into account the Gulf of Tonkin's geographical and natural characteristics while ensuring compliance with international treaties that Viet Nam is a party or member.
It serves as a legal foundation for defining Viet Nam’s maritime boundaries and the extent of its maritime areas in line with the UNCLOS and the agreement on the delimitation of the Gulf of Tonkin between Viet Nam and China signed in 2000. It provides a robust legal framework for protecting and excercising Viet Nam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, serving economic development and maritime management, and promoting international cooperation./.
Source: VNA